Waiting for service at a fast food outlet

I don’t really want to mention the name of the fast food outlet. After all, I think the picture above says it all!

A few weeks ago, Zain and I were hanging out and we decided that we wanted to grab some Burger King (oops). Since we were already parked at Central Market for Arts For Grabs, we thought we’d take the LRT to Masjid Jamek to grab a bite for lunch. Sure, we could have walked but then we’re supporting local public transport. *cough*

But that’s not the point.

We walked in to the venue and only two or three tables were taken up. Obviously a slow day. There was two girls ahead of us so we waited at a separate counter from where they were. And we waited. And we waited. You’d think we’d get some acknowledgment but after standing there for about 30 seconds being ignored, Zain and I looked at each other and … started timing how long before we get any service.

Two whole minutes.

That doesn’t sound like a lot of time at all, I know, but it gets frustrating when there are eight staff members in the kitchen area (completely open to us) ignoring us. Among them was the manager too. And one trainee staff. But never mind that they were minding their own business. There was one staff member who was in front and obviously packing a huge order who kept calling them to come and serve the two ladies and us.

No one reacted! In fact, one of the guys came in front, walked past the four of us (there were a couple of people behind us by then) into the office and walked right back past us to go into the kitchen.

Didn’t know I had the power of invisibility. Sempat take the picture above and no one flinched or reacted.

I know, I know, I shouldn’t be surprised at the lack of level of efficiency in our country. But this one really took the cake. Nine people working and no one could serve us – or even to look at us, smile and said, “Could you hang on for a while, we’ll get to you shortly.”

Thing is, Zain and I didn’t even know how to get angry. It was just so shocking that we couldn’t react in any other way than to laugh it off.

And this, unfortunately, is a sad, sad thing for our country.

12.55am Malaysian time (+8 GMT)

Tags: burger king, Malaysia, masjid jamek, service industry, zain hd